Measured-service telephone system



w. w. OWEN. MEASURED SERVICE TELEPHONE SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 30, 1917- 4 SHEETS-SHEET I w. w. uwu'v. MEASURED SERVICE TELEPHONE SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 30, 1917. 1,356,655. Patented Oct. 26, 1920.

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MEASURED SERVICE TELEPHONE SYSTEM.

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W. W. OWEN. MEASURED SERVICE TELEPHONE SYSTEM.

APPLICA'HON FILED IULY 30, 1917. 1,356,655. Patented 001; 26, 1920.

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UNITED STATES.

HPI'ATENT OFFICE-.

WILLIAM WALTER ownn, or ELGIN, ILLINOlIS ASSIGNbB T0 AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC comramr, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A oonrommon or ILLINOIS.

MEASURED-SERVICE TELEPHONE SYSTEM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 26, 1920.

Application filed July 30, 1917. ;Serial No. 183,419.

To all wlwm z'tmay cbncem certain new and useful Improvements in- Measured-Service Telephone Systems, of which the following 18 a specification.

V M y invention relates ingeneral to measured service telephone systems and has particular reference to improved measured service equipment fog-neg in'oper'ating a. subscribers meter. 'More specifically :myinvention relates to an improved method of. assessing tell for long distance connections, by automatically operating a subscribers meter a variable number of times to register the Initial charge, and to thereafter operate the meter a variable number of times at predetermined intervals of time, whereby a long-distance call may first be automatically charged uponthe calling subscrlbers meter in accordance with the .leng'thof the call and may thereafterbe charged upon the. meter a variable .number oftimes according to the time consumed in conversation.

The principal object of my invention, is an improved timing device which is automatically adjusted during the establishment of the call and which operates at predetermined intervals to operate the meter accordin to the charge required for the call.

In the drawings I have illustrated one embodiment of my invention in connection with automatic switches of well known type and construction but I do not wish to be restricted to anyparticular type, my invention being equally adapted to any well known type of system.

Figures 1. 2,3, and 4 show an established change (Figs. luiiid2). through a selector and a selector repeater of an intervening exchange (Fig. 3). and through a selector and a connector of.a third exchange. to a subscriber in the third exchange (Fig. 4).

Figil') shows a modification of the mechanism to .be used with the timing device to avoid the use of relays.

In my prior application Serial No. 167.155 means was provided for automatically charging a long distance call upon a calling subscribers meter according to the number of exchanges or cities through which that call had progressed. In the present application I have shown mw'ns for repeating thismitlal charge at intervals of time-after the called man answers.

A re ister controlling mechanism is provided or .each out oing switch in'anexchange, ,which mechanism is operated one stepior each digit which. is sent out beyond the first (or calling) exchange, and which is released ugon the response of the called subscriberan ailowedto transmit a. number-of im llllSQS ofbooster battery current to. the

. (;el ing s'uliscribers meter, the number lmpulses sent to the meter being the same or in the proper proportion, to the numberof digits sent-out by the calling subscriber."

The ratio between the digits sent out'and the impulses delivered to the meter is determined by the number of digits necessary to call through the exchange and the length of trunk line between exchanges. I have assumedthat the-trunk lines shown are of equal length, or so nearly equal as to require the same unit of charge, and that each exchange re hires three digits, or three operations of t 1e calling device, either to call through an exchange or to call a subscriber in .an exchange. It will readily be seen that the trunking can be arranged to meet any further requirement and that, in case more, or less digits are required to call through an exchange, the number of projections on the cam wheels of the impulse sender may be varied accordingly. .My improved timing mechanism is shown dia rammatically in Fig. 2 in connection wit 1 the register controlling mechanism ll.

My invention may be more clearly understood by ference to the drawings.

Thesubstation A, (Fig. 1) may be of any wglL..,known common battery type and com-,

connection from -a subscriber in onee.r "']ii'isesthe triiiisnritter 2, receiver 3, calling device 4, controlling the impulse springsfi and, 6. and switch book 7, for controlling'the usual switch hook springs to disconnectthe ringer 8 and condenser 9 and to connect the transmitter and receiver. in series with the impulse springs. across the line conductors .10 and 11 leading to the exchange. I

The line switch C in which the linecon- (luctols ll) and 11 terminate is similar in all rcspcctsto that shown in I S. Letters lat' out No. 1.186.323. grantrd June 13, 1916, to Frank Xewforth. Jr.. and comprisesamong other dctails a plunger (n t shown) attached to the cud of a so-callcd plunger arm 12.

which is controlled by the magnet 13, to force into contact, in pairs, a bank of contact springs 14 to 21 inclusive, to thereby extend the lme conductors 10 and 11 to a selector switch D.

The master switch G (Fig. 1) is also similar in all respects to that shown in the above mentioned atent and need not be further described ere.

The selector switch D (Fig. 1) is similar in construction. to that shown in U. S. Letters Patent No. 815,321, granted March 13, 1906 to Keith, Erickson and Erickson except that the side switch has been omitted and the circuits have been somewhat moditied to adapt it to the modern two-wire system of operation. It comprises amon other details a line relay 22, bridge cut-o relay 23, vertical magnet 24, rotary magnet 25, release magnet 27, rotary interrupter relay 26 and a pair of relays 28 and 29, which are slow-acting, that is, slow 'to de'energize when their energizin circuits are broken, and which control t e switching over from one magnet to the other. The vertical magnet 24 and rotary magnet 25, are controlled by the line relay 22 to raise the shaft wipers 30, 31 and 32 and to rotate them into engagement with some pair of contacts similar to 33, 34 and'35.

The selector repeater E, (Fig. 2) is similar in construction to that shown in Patent No. 1,312.558, Talbot G. Martin, Aug. 12, 1919. with the addition ofthe register controlling mechanism R and the timing mechanism X associated with the' mechanism R adapted to operate in accordance with my invention, and certain new and useful circuit connections in connection -therewith. This selector repeater is provided with 4 wipers, 3639 inclusive, the wi ers 36 and 39 being line wipers adapted to e connected to contacts in the line bank which lead through trunk lines to other exchanges. The wipers 37 and 38 are private wipers for testing purposes. The'banks over which these wipers are adapted to rotate have no connection leading to'the other exchan es but are connectedlocally in order to divide the trunk lines leading from the corresponding line contacts into groups and subroups; as pointed out in said prior application. This selector repeater comprises among other de tails the line relay 45, back bridge relay 46, private ma met 47, busy test relay 48, and a number 0 auxiliary relays, several of which, namel relays 54, 53, 51, 50 and '49, are slow to eenergize when their energizing circuits are broken. The movement of the shaft wipers is controlled through the medium of these relays and their contacts and by means of the vertical magnet 58 and rotary magnet 57, the control of t] a line relay over said magnets being switched from ne to the other by means of the usual side catch from the teeth of the ratchet 62, and

allows the 0100']; spring to return the shaft and cam wheel to normal position. The cam wheel is loose on the shaft and remains in normal osition while the steppin magnet drives t eshaft in a counter cloc wise direction. However when the shaft is .re-

turned by the clock sprin the cam wheel is rotated in a clockwise irection with the shaft by means of the catch or dog 70 thereby bringing the springs 66 and 67 into engagement a number of times according to the number of -teeth on the cam wheel. These teeth may be varied in number according to requirement as hereinbefore pointed out. The stepping magnet 60 of the mechanism is controlled by the slow-acting relay 53, which relay is operated only once for each set of impulses transmitted over the trunk line leading to the next exchange. The slow-acting relay 54 is used for discriminating purposesand is energized only when an incoming selector seizes the line to the selector repeater as will be pointed out.

An additional relay-51 is also provided torelease the register controlling mechanism R and prevent it from delivering impulses to a subscr'ibers meter in case a call is set up and the called subscriber fails to respond.

The improved timing mechanism X comprises a number of relays 301-304 inclusive, which are controlled by a wiper 300 attached to the shaft 65 and a dial or impulse sender having a wiper 305 which is rotated step by step over a number of contacts to send. impulsesof booster battery to the release trunk. A rotary mechanism is provided for stepping the wiper 305 and comprises a rate et wheel 306 which is operated by a stepping magnet 307 and a re lease magnet 308 for allowing the ratchet 306 and the wiper 305 to return to normal.

As the ratchet 62 of. the mechanism R is rotated the wiper 300 which is attached to the shaft 65 also rotates and successively connects with contacts leading to'the relays 301 etc. As soon as a call is completed and the Wiper 301 is left standing on one of said contacts, the release 'ma et' 59 of mecha nismR is energized to re ease the ratchet 62 and shaft-65. 1 The wiper 300 also returns to normal but the relay with which said wiper was connected remains in energized position over a circuit closed by its own lower armature and through a contact 309 until conversation is completed. It will be understood that the contacts over which the wiper 305 rotates maybe varied in number according to requirements, that is, any number of these contacts may be passed over in any stated time so that asubscriber may be charged only a certain percentage of initial charge for each interval after the first or initially charged interval. As I have shown in the drawings. assuming that three minutes elapses before the wiper reaches contact 312, then for each three minutes there after the subscriber may be charged either one, two, three or four times, depending upon which of the relays 301 etc. have been energized. Vim-11 the magnet 59 'dener gizes at the completion of conversation the circu ts of the locked relay and of magnet 307 are opened at contact 309 and a circuit is closed for the release magnet 308 which energizes and thereby returns the timing mechanism to normal.

The elector D (Fig. 3) is similar to the selector D (Fig; 1) with the exee tion of the magnet 75 which is legged ofl' rom the releasetrunk to battery. Thisvselector is accessible only to incoming calls from se-- lcctor repeaters in another exchange. The magnet 75 is for the purpose of energizing the relays. similar to 84, in the selector repcatcr with which this incoming selector conn cts. when the call originates in another exchange.

The selector repeater E (Fig. 3) is similar in all respects to the selector repeater E (Fig.2).

The selector D (Fig. 3) is another incoming selector of the third exchange similar to the selector D (Fi 3). A

The connector switcli F (Fig. 4) is similar in all respects to the connector shown in the before mentioned Letters Patent No.

1,186,823 and'is of the booster battery type,

that is. when the called man answers, an impulse of current from the booster battery 1% is transmitted back over the release trunk to the calling subscribers meter. .Th'is impalse of booster current is eii'ective only in casc a call is local to one exchange; The

back bridge of this connector switch also reverses th battery in the trunk line leading back toward the calling line and this reversal is effective when a call is received from another exchange. to release the regisrr controlling mechanism of the selector re peater in the originating exchange. The connector 1 comprises amon other details the line relay 134, which is ridged across the line conductors through the springs of the back bridge relay 133, the release relay 135, busy relay 136, series relay 137, ring cut-off relay 138, ringing relay 139, wiper cut-oil relay 140, additional back bridge relay 132, and auxiliar relay 276, these relays control the vertlcal magnet 142, and

rotary magnet 141, to step the wipers 146,

147, and 148 into engagement with a desired line. a

The substation A and line switch C are in all respects similar to the substation and the line switch C.

Having given a general description of the apparatus involved I will now explain in detail how a subscriber at substation A may obtain connection with the subscriber at substation A and how the proper charge .varie' 'at will to suit existing conditions.

Upon the removal of the receiver at the substation A from the switch-hook, the talk.- ing circuit of the substation is bridged across the line conductors-10 and 11 by the hook switch springs, thereby closing the circult of the line relay 149 of the line switch C. This circuit extends from ground G through springs 150 and 151, line 11, substation A, line 10, springs 152 and 153, and line relay 149to battery B. Relay 149, upon energizing, closes the circuit of the operating winding 154, which energizesand disconnects the relay 149 from the lineand thrusts the plunger into the terminals of the trunk before which it is held by the master switch. The springs 14 and 18 and 17 and 21 being )ressed together, extend the connection to tie selector switch D, and close an energizing circuit for the line rclay 22 thereof'which circuit extends from ground G1 through the lower winding of relay 2., springs 166 and 165, springs 21 high resistance and the armature being a justed so as not to operate by current from the battery B. .The meter} is somewhat difi'erent fromthe meter shown in said Letters Patent, in that, it-will not hold u after it has been once operated, but will energ ize after each impulse of booster battery.

he preliminar 'nonmumerical operations being complete the line relay 22 is now "0 rated in accordance with the first digit o the called number to operate the vertical magnet 24 to step the wipers 30, 31and 32 to some level of the banks, from the contactsof which, trunk lines lead to selectorrepeaters 'which have access to outgoing trunk'lines. As soon as the desired level is reached and the impulses cease, the rotary magnet 25 is operated to rotate the wipers into engagement with an idle one of said trunk lines, which we will'assume leads to the selector repeater'E (Fig. 2) As soon as this idle trunk line is found the bridge cut-off relay 23, which, during the rotation over busy trunk lines has been short circuited by the ground on the private contacts, energizes over the followin circuit: ground G, armaturel'i'fl and its ront contact, relay 23, interrupter springs 171 of the rotary ma et, ofi' normal s rin s 172, and through re ay 26 to battery lie relay 26 is of a lower resistance than relay 23, and does not energize over this circuit; The relay 23 however, energizes and disconnects the relays of the switch D from the line conductors and extends theline conductors '10 and 11 through the wipers 30 and 33 and 31 and 35 to the line relay 45 of the selector repeater.

The line relay 45 of selector-repeater E (Fig. 2) energizes over the following circuit: ground G, lower winding of relay 4:5, springs 178 and 176 of relay 46, contact 35, wiper 31, springs 164 and 165, s rin s 21 and 17, line conductor 11, substation line conductor 10, springs 14 and 18, springs 157 and 158, wiper '30, contact 33, springs 175 and 173, and through the upper winding of relays 45 to battery B Relay 45 upon energizing over this circuit, closes a circuit from ground Gr through sprin 180 and 181 and relay 50 to battery B. T e relay 50, upon energizing, supplies a holding ground for the relay 23 of selector D over the following circuit: ground G springs 186, through the low resistance relay 54, contact 34, wiper 32, springs 160 and 161, relay 23, springs 171, off-normal springs 172, and relay 26 to battery B.

line to be idle.

The relays 26 and 54 do not energize over this circuit in series with the high resistance relay 23. The relay 23 is however held in its operated position to maintain the con nection through to the selector repeater The subscriber at the calling substation now operates his calling device for the second digit, therebygmomentarily interrupting the circuit of the line relay '15 of the selector repeater E a number. of times, depending upon the level of the bank in which the trunk with which he desires to connect is located. The relay 50 is slow acting and retains its armatures in operated position during the energi'zation and denergization of the line relay. Each time the line relay 45 deiinergizes, a circuit is closed from ground G through the springs 180 and 179, springs 189 and 190, relay 49, vertical magnet 58, and side switch wiper-71 (in first position) to battery 13". The impulses transmitted through the vertical magnet we will assume is connected to incoming selectors in the third exchange similar to selector D The relay 49, whi'ch is included in this circuit in series with the vertical magnet is a slow acting relay and remains energized during the entire time the vertical magnet: is operating. In its energized position the, relay 49 completes a circuit from ground G through springs 191 and 193 and private magnet 47 to battery B. When the relay 49 deenergizes after the last impulse is delivered to the vertical magnet, it breaks the circuit of the private magnet 47, which thereupon denergizes and allows the side switch to pass from first to second position. The side switch wiper 71, in pass-- ing from first to second position, transfers the battery connection from the vertical magnet 58 to the rotary magnet 57. Tlibrefore when the calling subscriber operates his calling device for the next or third digit the operation of the line relay 45 transmits a series of impulses through the rotary magnet to rotate the wipers 36, 37, 38 and 39 onto the first trunk line'of the first group which in this case leads to the selector D (Fig. 3). After the impulses for this digit 2 cease the relay 49 again deenergizes and allows the side switch to pass from second to third position, that is, assuming this trunk If this trunk line had been busy however the wi )er 37 would have found the contact wit which it engaged provided with a .giiardin ground potential. This guarding potentia would have provided an energizing circuit forthe relay 55, extending from wiper, 37, side switch wiper- 73 (in second position), and relay 55 to battery B. The relay 55, upon energizing, completes a circuit from ground G through springs 194 and theprivate magnet 47 to battery 13. This circuit maintains the private magnet energized after the relay 49 is de'einergized and therefore holds the side switch in second position. The deenergization of the relay 49 after this set of impulses closes a new circuit for the rotary magnet from ground G, springs 191 and 192, springs 196 of relay 55, springs 198, springs 200 of relay 48, rotary mitlgnet 57, and side switch wi er 71 to battery The rotary magnet wi l energize over this circuit to step the shaft wipers to the next trunk line, and also closes a circuit from ground G through springs 202 and relay 5G to battery B. The relay 56, upon energizing, interrupts the circuit of the rotary magnet at the springs 198. The rotary magnet in turn deinergizes and breaks the circuit of the relay 56, which in turn denergizes and again closes the circuit of the rotary magnet. The relay 55 will remain energized as long as the wiper 37 continues to engage grounded contacts of busy trunk lines, and the rotary magnet will continue to advance the wipers stcp-by-step until a non-grounded contact is found, which will" permit the relay 55 to deenergize, or until the wipers 37 and 38 engage a pan-of con- The tacts which are connected together. last trunk line of each subgroup has a pair of contacts similar to 42 and 43, which, are connectedtogether and the selector re ater upon being advanced to this last trun line will come to rest whether the line associated therewith is idle or busy and if busy the side switch is locked in second position and a busy tone given to the calling subscriber in the manner pointed out in said prior application No. 655,985.

\Vhen the wipers of the selector repeater come to rest upon the contacts of an idle trunk line and the side switch passes'to third position as has been explained, the connection is completed with the trunk conductors 203 and 204 by the closure of the back contacts 205 and 206 of the private magnet. T he side switch wiper 73 upon passing to third position extends a guarding potential from ground G throughthe wi-pcr 73 and the private wiper 37 to the private bank contact of the seized trunk line in the banks of all switches which have access thereto. The side switch wiper 74, upon reaching third position, completes a bridge across the trunk conductors -203'and 204, whereupon the l ipg rp lay 770f the selector 1) (Fi-grffi becomes ein-rgized over a circuit from ground G, through the lower winding of relay' 77, springs 215 and214, conductor 204, contact 44, wiper 39, side switch wiper 74, impedance coil 216,-lower winding of back bridge relay -46, springs 182 of line relay 45,wiper 36, contact 41, conductor 203, springs 208 and 207, and

flipper winding of relay 77 to battery B". he line relay 77 ener zes over this circuit and closes the circuit o relag 8. The relay 46 of the' selector repeater one windin of which was included in the above tracer circuit, does not energize at this time, the current flow in the lower windi being in the opposite direction to that flowing inthe upper winding. The circuit for the u per winding of said relay ma be traced rom ground G throiigh springs 21-7 (which were closed on the first vertical step of the switch E) and through the u er winding of relay 46 to battery B he relay 46 requires the energization of both windings in the same direction in order to operatively ene ize.

en the substation calling device is operated for the fourth digit the circuit of the line relay 45 of the selector repeater E is again interrupted momentarily a number of times. The separation of the springs 182 at this time, opens the bridge across the trunk conductors 203 and 204, thereby breaking the circuit of the line relay 77 of selector D. The line relay 77 in response to the opening and closing of this bridge operates in the same manner as the line relay 22 of selector D (Fig. 1) to control the vertical and rotary ma ets 82 and 83, to pick out an idle trunk? Each time the line relay 45 of the selector repeater E deenergizes to repeat an impulse to the line relay of the connector, a circuit is closed from ground (l through springs 180 and 179, springs 189 and 190, relay 49, relay 53, and side switch wiper 71 to battery B The operation ofrclay 49 is functionless and s mply causes the private ma net to open the trunk conductors leading, ack to the condensers while impulses are being repeated. The relay 53, being slow-acting, remains in its energ zed position during the entire time the relay 45 is operating in response to a digit. This operation of the relay 53 accomplishes a double result, namely, the short circuitin of the resistance 216 and one winding 0 relav 46 to remove their resistance from the circuit of the line relay 77 of selector I), and the operation of the stepping magnet 60 of the register controlling mechanism R. The circuit for the magnet 60 may be traced from ground through springs 218, 3 rings 220 and magnet 60 to battery B he magnet 60, upon energizing, attracts its armature and steps the ratchet wheel 62 one step in a counter clockwise direction. As pointed out herein before the cam wheel 63 does not move at this time, but the ratchet wheel 62, being rigid on the shaft, rotates together with the shaft and the wiper 300 and stores u tension in the clock spring 222: After t e impulses for this digit cease, the circuit of the relay 53 is broken at contacts 180 and- 179 of the line relay, and upon deenergizing, allows the magnet 60 to denergize in turn. The ratchet wheel 62 is held in operated position by means of the armature of the release relay 59 which engages the teeth of ratchet wheel 62.

Returning to the operation of selector D (Fig. 3), as soon as an idle trunk line in the level leading to the selector repeaters of this second exchange has been seized, the relay 76 is energized 1n the same manner as the relay 23 of selector D, and operates to disconnect the o crating relays of the selector from the trun lines 203 and 204 and to connect said trunk lines through the wipers 102 and 103 to the selector repeater E. A circuit is thereby closed for the line relay 87 of the selector repeater E extendin I'Ol'll ground G" through the lower win mg of said relay springs 223 and 224, contact 107, wiper 103, springs 213 and 214, and over the previously traced circuit through the bridgli across the conductors 203 and 204 and bac over the other side of the line "through springs 208 and 209, wiper 102, contact 105, springs .225 and 226 and upper winding of relay 87 to battery The line relay 87, upon energizing, closes a circuit for the relay 90, which in turn energizes and supplies a holdim ground for the relay 76 of the selector which extends from ground G through springs 230, relay 84, over the private conductor to contact 106, wiper 101, springs 211 and 212, and through the relays and 80 to battery B. A branch of the above traced circuit extends from the spring 212 through the relay to battery B". It will be seen that this circuit difi'ers somewhat from the holding'circuit of the relay 23 of selector D in that the relay 75 is connected in multiple with the relays 70 and 80. All of the incoming selectors of each exchange whichare accessible to incoming calls only are equipped with a relay similar to the relay 75, the purpose of which is to.

so increase the current flowing in the cir- ('uit through the relay 84, or similar relays, as to allow said relay 84 to operatively encrgize to disconnect the register controlling mechanism R from the controlling relays of the selector repeater E. The relay 84 will therefore energize over the above traced circuit and will maintain the circuit of the stepping magnet 232 of the controlling mechanism open at the springs 234, and the circuit of the release magnet233 open atthe springs 235.

When the substation calling device is operated for the fifth digit, the circuit .of the line relay 45 of the selector repeater E is again interrupted a number 1515 times. The separation of the springs 182 andthe resulting interruption of the bridge across the conductors 203 and 204, in this case opens the circuit of the line relay 87 of the selector repeater E a corresponding number of times, to-in turn control the vertical magnet 96 in the same manner as set forth in connection with the line relay 45 of switch E. The slow-acting relay 53 of the selector repeater E is again energized once in response to the operation of the lin relay 45 over the previously traced circuit and again closes the circuit of the stepping magnet 60 of the register controlling mechanism R. The ratchet wheel'62 is thereupon given a second step and the relays 53 and magnet 00 again deiinergize upon the cessation of the impulses through the line relay.

l/Vhen the substation calling device is operated for the next digit, the circuit of the line rel ay 45 of the selector repeater E is again broken a number of times and again operates to repeat a corresponding number a of impulses to the line relay 87 of selector repeater E (Fig. 3), and to step the ratchet wheel one more step through the medium of the relay 53. The line relay 8?, in response to the impulses of this series, opcrates to control; the circuit of the rotary magnet 97 to rotate the wipers 108, 109, 110 and 112 onto the terminals of an idle trunk line in the desired subgroup, the trunk lines of which lead to a third exchan e and which terminate in selector switches 2 (Fig. 4). As soon as the wipers come to rest on the contacts 113; 114, 115. and 117, a circuit is closed for the line relay 120 of the selector 1) as follows, from ground G through the lower winding of the line relay 120, springs 246 and 245, contact 117, wiper 112, side switch wiper 101, resistance 247, lower winding of back bridge relay 80, springs 248, wiper 108, contact 113, springs 237 and 230, and upper winding of relay 120 to battery B The back bridge relay 86 of the selector repeater E being similar to the relay 46 of switch E does not operatively energize over the above traced circuit, the current in the lower winding being in opposition to that flowing in the upper winding. The line relay 120, however, energizes over this circuit and closes a circuit for the relay 250, which energizes to prepare the circuit of the vertical magnet.

W'hen the substation calling device is operated for the next digit. of the called munber, the circuit of the line relay 45 is again opened a number of times and again operates to transmit a corresponding number of impulses to the line relay 87 of selector re peater E (Fig. 3 The side switch of the selector repeater being in third position at this time, each time the line relay 87 deenergizes the circuit of the line relay 120 of the selector D (Fig. 4) is broken at the springs 248 in the same manner in which the line relay 77 of selector D was controlled by the line relay 45 of selector repeater E, It will thus be seen that the impulses'for,

. is given a fourth step.

this and the following digitsare relayed or repeated twice, first by the line relay 45, and again by the line r lay 87. The lme relay 120 pperates in response to this digit, to raise the wipers 126, 127 and 128 to some level of the banks from which trunk lines lead to connectors similar toconnector F. As soon as the impulses cease; the rotary magnet 125 is brought into operation in the usual manner to rotate the wi rs to the contacts of an idle trunk line, in this case the contacts 129, 130 and 131. Referring again to the selector repeater E, the relay 53 again energizes during the operation of relay 4:) and closes the circuit of stepping magnet 60, whereby the ratchet wheel 62 Although the slowacting relay 85 of selector repeater E is also energized at this time by the relay 87, the stepping magnet 232 is not energized, due to its circuit being held open at the springs 234-of relay 84 as previously explained. It will be understood that the selector repeater E is also supplied with a timing mechanism (not shown) similar to X (Fig. 2).

As soon as the wipers 126, 127 and 128 come to rest on the contacts 129, 1 30 and 131, the relay 119 is energized and operates to extend the connection through the wipers 126 and 127 to the line relay 134 of connector F. The circuit for relay 134 extends from ground G through the lower winding of relay 134. springs 251 and 252, contact 130, wiper 127, springs 244 and 245, and over the previously traced circuit through the lower winding of the back bridge relay 86 of selector repeater E and springs 248 and back over the other side of the trunk through the springs 237 and 238, wiper 126, contact 129, springs 255 and 254, and upper winding of relay 134 to battery B The relay 86 for reasons stated before does not energize over this circuit. the' line relay 134, however energizes and closes a circuit from ground G springs 257 and 258 and relay 135 to battery B the relay 135 in turn energizes and supplies a holding groundfor the bridge cut-off relav 119 of the selector D The circuit for the relay 119 extends from ground (i through springs 261 and 262, sprirgs 263 and 264, contact 131, wiper 128, springs 240 and 241, and through the relays 1.19 and 122 in multiple with the relay 118 to battery B.

When the substation calling device is operated for the next digit, the circuit of the line relay 45 of selectorrepeater E is again broken a number of times, and repeats the impulses to the line relay 87 of selector repeater E, which in this case, by the separation of the springs 248 repeats a corresponding number of impulses to the line relay 134 of the connector F over the previously traced circuit. The operation of the relay R3 of the "elector repeater E ne closes the 1,186,823. The slow-actin relay 137 which is included'in the circuit of the vertical magnet, deenergizes, when the impulses for this digit cease, and substitutes the rotaryinagnet 141 for the vertical magnet 142, to the control of the line relay 134 by means of the side switch.

When the substation device is operated for the last digit the circuit of the line relay 45 is again broken a number of times, the magnet 60 is also operated to give the ratchet wheel 62 a sixth and last step, and the impulses are repeated over the previously traced circuits to the line relay 134 of connector F. The line relay 134 operates in response to this series of impulses: to de liver a corresponding number of impulses to the rotary magnet 141 whereby the wipers are rotated to the contacts of the desired line. Assuming the called line to be idle the side switch now passes to the third posi tion and the ringing relay 139 is intermittently operated to disconnect the calling line from the called line and to apply'ringing current from the generator H to the terminals of the called line. V The side switch wiper 265 on passing from second to third position establishes a guarding potential on the private contacts of'the called line ,and closes an energizing circuit for the cut-off winding 145 of the called subscribers individual switch C, whereby the line and operating'magnets are disconnected from the line conductors.

When the called subscriber removes his receiver from the switch hook, in response to this signal, or as soon as the ringing relay 139 denergizes, if it is energized at the time, a circuit is closed from ground G through the relay 133,springs 266, springs 268, wiper 148, to and throughthe substation A and back over the other side of the line through the wiper146, springs 270, springs 272, and through the relay 132 to battery B". The relay 133, upon energizing, reverses vthe connections of the line relay 134 to the trunk conductors, and thereby reverses direction of the current flow in the trunk. The relay 132, upon energizing, closes a circuit from ground G through the ofi-normal sprin s 274, springs 275, relay 276, and throng the ring cut-oil relay 138 to battery B. "The relays 276 and 138 energize over this circuit, andthc relay 138. upon energizing, opens the circuit of the ringing relay 139 and locks itself to ground G by means of the springs 277. When the spr1ngs'277 engage it .Wlll be seen that the relay 276 i short circuited and immediately deenergizes. This momenta! enerization of relay 276 connects the attery in serieswith the release trunk. This battery has the negative'pole rounded instead of the positive pole as t e other battery and therefore a booster impulse is transmitted over the release trunk. This booster impulse is efi'ective in local calls in one exchange and is used to operate a .meter as explained in the before mentioned patent.

Of course in thecall which I have illustrated this booster impulse will be functionless as the release trunk does not extend to a meter. The reversal of current in the trunk by the relay 133 energizes the back brid e relay 86 of the selector repeater E (Fig. 3% the current in both upper and lower windings now assisting each other. The relay 86 upon energizing in turn reverses the battery to the trunk line 203 and 204 leading to the selector repeater E (Fig. 2). This reversal of current causes the back bridge relay 46 of the selector repeater E to operatively energize, to reverse the battery in the trunk toward the calling man and to also close the contact of springs 184 whereby a circuit is closed for the release magnet 59 of the register controlling mechanism as follows: from ground Gr through springs 184, springs 277, and magnet 59 to battery B. Tlle'magnet 59 upon energizing withdraws its armature from the teeth of the ratchet wheel 62 and allows the clock spring 222 to rotate the ratchet wheel62 in a clockwise direction to its normal position. The cam wheel 63 will now be rotated with the ratchet wheel by means of the dog to close the sprin 66 and 67 a number of times. The springs 66 and 67 will be operated the same number of times that the magnet 60 was operated in the progress'of the call. The operation of the springs 66 and 67 closes a. circuit from booster battery 13 through resistance 280, springs 66 and 67, springs 282, contact 34, wiper 32, springs 160 and 161, springs 19 and wand hrou h the meter J to battery B. The ba tery 1;" being connected in series with the battery B through the meter J, the meter wil energize each time the springs 66 and 67 'lose.-. ,It will be seen therefore that the meter J will be operated a number of times corresponding to the number of digits which have been repeated over the trunk line to another exchange and in this case the subscribers metcr is operated six times or three times for each exchange through which the call has progressed. As the ratchet Wheel 62 was operated six steps during the operation of the call, it will be seen that the wiper 300 was also operated six steps and rests on the step. The contacts engaged b contact 318 which is connected to relay 303. The relay 303 therefore energizes over a circuit from ground G through wiper 300, contact 318, and relay 303 to battery 13', and attracts its armatures 319 and 320. The armature 319 upon pulling up prepares a circuit from the contacts 312, 313, 314 and 315, 316, and 317 to the release trunk and thence to the meter J. The armature 320 prepares a locking circuit for the magnet 303. -When the release ma et 59 is now energized by the responseo the called subscriber the locking "circuit for relay 303 is completed at contact 309 from ground G and a circuit is also closed for the stepping magnet 307 through the clock controlled contacts 311. The magnet 307 therefore operates once each time, the springs 311 are closed to step the wiper 305 one step. As the meter has alrea y been 0 erated by the cam wheel 63 for an initial cliarge, the subscriber is entitled to a three minute conversation without further charge, but should the con versation last for more than three minutes the wiper 305 will then pass onto the contact 312 and a booster impulse from the battery B will be supplied to the meter J. As prc viously pointed out, the springs 311 of the timin device X are controlled by a clock and t e wiper 305 is on the same shaft with the ratchet wheel 306, so that each time the springs 311 close the wiper 305 takes one the wiper 305 maybe connected 1n any esired manner, but as shown, and supposing that the wiper 305 meets the contact 312 at the end of the first three minutes of conversation then each time 305 meets a contact 312, 313, 314, etc., a booster impulse will be sent from the battery B to the meter. The circuit over which this impulse passes extends from booster battery B through resistance 322, wiper 305,- contact 312, armature 319, springs 282, and over the previously traced circuit to the meter J. It will be seen there fore that the meter will be operated three times for each three minutes after the first three. If the call had extended through more or less exchanges it will be seen that the meter would be operated either more or less times according to which relay was last energized by the wiper 300.

' After conversation is completed the connection is released by the restoration of the receiver at the calling station in a manner well known and which is fully described in the publication herein referred to. When the release'magnet 59 of the register controlling mechanism is released upon the release of the switch E, the locking circuit of the relay 303 is opened and the relay deenergized to disconnect the timing mechanism from the release trunk. The circuit of the release magnet 308 is also closed by the denergization of magnet 59 and extends from ground G through contact 310, 011- normal springs 321, and magnet 308 to battery 13% The magnet 308 upon energizing, removes its armature from the teeth of the ratchet 306 and allows said ratchet to be returned with the wiper 305 to its normal position by spring tension, The circuit of magnet 308 is opened at the off-normal springs 321 whenrthe me'chanism reaches normal position.

Let us suppose that a calling subscriber has called a party who fails to answer and the switches are released. As the registering mechanism R has been operated a number of steps during this call some means must be provided for preventing any false operation of the meter J under these circumstances. The slow-acting relay 51 has been added to the selector repeater E- (Fig. 2) to overcome this difficulty. When the uncompleted connection is released, the release magnet 52 of the selector repeater E is energized and in turn closes. a circuit for the relay 51 from ground G through the springs 283 and relay 51 to battery B. The relay 51, upon energizing closes a circuit for the release magnet 59 by means of the springs 285, and also opens thecircuit which leads from the springs 66 and 67 to the release trunk. The register controlling mechanism will therefore be returned to normal position without sending any impulses of booster current to the subscribers meterl )Vhen a line is busy either by reason of having made a call or by reason of havin been called, the busy rela 136 is energize in the usual manner an the calling subscriber is given a busy signal, whereupon the connection is released in the usual'manner. Although I have shown a plurality of batteries throughout the drawings, it will be understood that only one battery may be' used for each exchange.

In Fig. 5 I have shown another method of accomplishing the same result which is accomplished by thewiper 300 and the relays 301, 302 etc., (Fig. 2). Inthis modification I shows plurality of wipers 404 on the shaft 65 which are loose on the shaft and are mounted thereon as a unit together with the ratchet wheel 400. Firmly attached to tHe shaft 65 is an arm 401 which extends beyond all of the wipers'400 so that. when the shaft is rotated, the arm 401 rotates the wipers with it and when the shaft is later released, the wipers will remain in their advanced osition in contact with a certain row 0 bank contacts. The wipers 404 are all connected together and a conductor extends therefrom to the re lease trunk through the springs 282 MP1,; 2. The first contacts in the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th rowsare connected to the contacts 312, 315, etc., over which the wiper 305 (Fig. 2) rotates, the second contactsin the.

' I 4th, 6th and 8th rows are connected to the contacts 313, 316, etc., the third contacts in the 6th and 8th rows are connected to the contacts 314, 317 etc., and the fourth contact in the 8th row may be connected to the fourth contact on the said dial when such is required. It willtherefore be seen that when'the shaft '65 is stepped six steps in the progress of a call, the wipers 404 Wlll be rotated onto the sixth set of contacts, so that when the called subscriber answers and the wiper 305 rotates, the impulses from battery B will pass throu h the contacts 312, 313, and 314 and throug the contacts of the 6th row and the wipers 404 which rest thereon to the release trunk. When the conversation is completed, the magnet 402 is energized at the same time that the release magnet 308 (Fig. 2) is energized and removes the ratchet 403 from the ratchet wheel to allow the wipers 404 to return to nor'mal.

It will be seen therefore that I have provided a very efiicient method of automatically registerin long distance calls, and of automatically surging upon the calling subscribers meter an additional charge for additional time after the first or free period, and that the method of accomplishing this result is very flexible and may be varied in a number of ways by one skilled in the art to ada t it to any conditions. Although I have il ustrated and explained my invention in connection with a particular type of automatic switches, it is of course understood that I do not wish to be limited to the 'exact construction shown and described, but my invention is capable of use with any other well known system. i

What I claim as my invention is:

1. In a. telephone system, calling and called subscribers lines, a registering device. for each line, means for extendin a calling line into connection with called lines through a plurality of exchanges,

means for operating said device inaccordance with the numberof cxchan through which the connection is exten ed, a time controlled mechanism, said device also controlled: by said mechanism in accordance with the number of exchanges.

2. In a telephone system, a calling line, called lines having ifferent, toll rates, a meter for the calling line, means forextending a connection from said Jcalling lineto one of said called linesoveraplurality'of successive link circuits, .a, timingdevice for. controlling said meter, meanso'for automatically adjusti' said device according to the numberof liiii circuitsover which the connection is extended, and means controlled by the called subscriber for controlling said device to operate said meter at predetermined intervals during conversation accord ing to thetoll rate .of the called line.

3. In a' telephone system, a calling line,-

called lines having different toll rates, a meter for the calling line, means for extend ing a connection from said callin line to one of said called lines, a timing evice for controlling said meter, means for automatically adjusting said device according to the toll rate of the called line, and means controlledby the called subscriber for controllin said device to operate said meter at pre etermmed intervals during conversatlon. a

' 4. In a telephone system, a meter, a timing device for controlling the operation of said meter, said device comprising a movable wiper, means for driving sald wiper, a plurality of contacts over which said wiper passes, means for connecting any number of said contacts withsaid meter, and a circuit for said meter which is closed by the connection of said Wiper with said connected contacts to thereby operate said meter.

5. In a telephone system, a plurality of exchanges, subscribers lines in each exchange, means for extending a' connection from a line in one exchange to a line in any other exchange through any number of intervening exchanges, a meter for the calling line, means controlled by-the called subscriber for operating said meter in accordance with the number of intervening exchanges, and a timing device for thereafter automatically operating said meter 2. lurality of times for each time interval uring which said lines remain connected.

6. In a telephone system, a calling and a called subscribers line, means for extending a connection between said lines throu h a plurality of exchan es, a meter for t e calling line, a circuit or said meter, means for closing said circuit a plurality of times upon the response of the called subscriber to operate said meter according to the number of exchanges through which the call isextended, and automatic means for thereafter closing said circuit a plurality of times at regular intervals to again operate said mete". V

7. In a telephone system, calling and called subscribers lines, automatic switches for connecting any two ofsaid lines for conversation, means for controlling said switches by a plurality of seriesof impulses to establish said connection, a .register for the calling line, means for operating said register upon the response of the called subscriber, a timing device associated with one of said switches, and means controlled by saiddevice for thereafter operating said register a variable number of times depending upon the number of series of impulses used to control said switches.

8. In a telephone system, calling and called subscribers lines, automatic switches for connecting any two of said lines for conversation, means for controlling said switches by a plurality of series of impulses to establish said connection, a register for the calling line, means for operating said register upon the response of the called subscriber, a timing device associated with one of said switches, said device adjusted by said one switch during the establishment of said connection, and means controlled b said device for thereafter operating sai register a variable number of times depending upon the number of series of impulses used to control said switches.

9. In a telephone system, calling and called subscribers lines, automatic switches for connecting any two of said lines for conversation, means for controlling said switches by a plurality of series of impulses to establish said connection, a register for a the calling line, means for o erating said register upon the response of the called subscriber, a timing device associated with one of said switches, said device adapted to be adjusted according to the number of impu ses used to operate said switches.

10. In a telephone system, calling and called lines, a register for each line, automatic switches for establishing a connection between a calling and a called one of said lines, means for sending a plurality of series of impulses to said switches to establish said connection, means for charging for said con nection by 0 erating the calling subscribers meter once or each series'of impulses sent, and means for thereafter repeating said charge at predetermined intervals.

11. In a telephone system, subscribers lines, means for establishing connections between said lines over a plurality of serially related trunk lines, a timing device, and means for automatically adjusting said dc vice according to the number of trunk lines in the. connection established to register the charge for the same.

12. In a telephone system, calling and called lines, trunk lines each requiring a toll charge, means for extending connections between said lines over one or more of said trunk lines, means for automatically char ing the calling subscriber according to t e number of trunk lines over which the call is extended, and means for automatically repeixting said charge at predetermined interva a i 13.' In a telephone system, calling and called lines, trunk lines eabh requiring a toll charga'means fior extending connections between said lines over one or more of said trunk lines, means for automatically charging the calling subscriber according to the accumulated charge required forthe trunk lines used in the connection, and means for automatically repeating said charge at predetermined intervals. 7 a

14. In a telephone system, calling and calledlines, trunk lines each requiring a toll charge, means for extending connectiohs between said lines over one or more of said trunk lines, a timing device, and means controlled by said timing. device for automatically charging the connection to the callin subscriber according to the number of trunE lines over which the call is extended.

15. In a telephone system, in which means are provided for settin up connections automatically between cal ing and called lines, each line having a meter, and in which the calls so set up require varying toll charges, a common mechanism control ed by the response of the called subscriber-for operating the meter a varying number of times in accordance with the charge required, and a timing device operable to assess a char e upon the calling subscribers meter at pre etermined intervals during conversation, said timing device adjusted durin the establish-' ment of a call to assess a tol in a certain proportion to the initial charge.

,16. In a telephone system in which means are provided 'for settin up connections through a plurality o intervening exchanges from calling to called lines, and which is provided with means for operating a meter at the callin station a plurality of times when the calle subscriber answers according to the number of exchanges throu h which the call progressed, and a timing vice for repeating the initial charge at predetermined intervals.

17. In a telephone system which is arranged to require an assessment of a certain charge for each zone through which a call progresses and in which means are provided for extending calls through a plurality of intervening zones to a called line, means for assessing a charge on the calling subscriber in accordance with the number of zones through which the call progressed, and a timing device for repeating said charge at predetermined intervals.

18. In a telephone system, a calling line,

means for establishing connections from said line to called lines over a series of successive link circuits requiring different toll charges, a meter for the callin line, a meter operating device for contro ling .said meter, said device adjusted during the progress of the call a certain number of times as each link circuit is added to the connection, said device controlled by the response ofthe called subscriber to operate the meter :1 predeter mined number of times for each time interval of conversation in accordance with its adjustment.

19. In a telephone system, a line, a meter therefor, an automatic switch accessible to said line, a meter controlling device individual to said switch, a trunk bircuit accessible to said switch for use by the calling subscriber for extending connections fro said line to called lines requirin toll charges, said device adjusted uring the extension of the call over said trunk'dine in accordance with the proper charge and controlled by the response of the called subsciiber to o crate said meter in accordance with the ad ustment a plurality of times for each interval of conversation.

20. In a telephone system, in which thereare zones of calling arbitrarily established and a meter on each line adapted to be 0 erated a variable number oftimes depen ing upon the number of zones through which a call has progressed when the called subscriber answers, means in each zone through which a call is successively extended for operating the meter one or a plurality of times in accordance with the charge foreach zone the accumulative charge for all the zones through which the call progresses comprising the complete char for the call, and means for repeating sai initial charge at re ular intervals during conversation.

igned by me at Chica 0, Cook count State of Illinois, this 23rd ay of July, 191

WILLIAM WALTER OWEN.

varying. 

